This 103,000 acre authentic Buffalo ('bison') and Cattle ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve along its Eastern border. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower alongside the ranch with several 14,000 foot peaks with trail heads leading into them, just minutes from the lodge. It has one of the most scenically spectacular and diverse geological landscapes to be found anywhere in the world. It is a wildlife mecca with thousands of elk, hundreds of bison, and countless deer, coyotes, birds and many other animal species.
Real life ranching and exploring the great outdoors is at the core of the programs that are offered. Duke and Janet Phillips have hosted guests from all over the world for over eight years, developing special programs that bring visitors into the middle of ranch life by working side by side with the cowboys and cowgirls on the ranch; these activities are not staged - they occur whether guests are on the ranch or not. If groups have varied interests or do not want to spend all their time with the cowboys, they can take one of our trips into the wild to study the bison herds, or explore the sand dunes and mountain meadows. The ranch is owned by The Nature Conservancy.

Note: Unfortunately we no longer have a domestic bison herd (wild herd only) -- we do not have any opportunities to move bison though our guests are welcome to ride (from a safe distance) amongst our wild herd. We also do invite guests to participate in any ongoing cattle work we may have during their stay.

Group bookings are possible for Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec with a minimum number of participants - check with us!
Fully booked:
June 19t to 29th
July 14th to 17th
July 18th 28th to August 14th
September 8th to 23rd
September 30

Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages - bring your own alcohol please, gratuity (mandatory), no helmets available (if you want one you must nbring your own), nearby optional rafting or fly fishing (55 minutes away) on the Arkansas River.

Itinerary for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

Central to what we do is maintaining our ranching heritage while enhancing the natural landscape. Our philosophy maintains that a balance must be struck between the management of a healthy and vigorous ecosystem and a sustainable land-based business that supports the people living on the land. We feel that our ranching and conservation work in partnership with The Nature Conservancy is an important model for preserving large scale ranch lands in the western United States.
Check out the special Theme Weeks throughout the season.

The activity programs are especially designed for people who want to learn about and experience nature, whether it be conservation, hiking or riding to view the unique geology and spectacular vistas. Some guests want to just relax in the historic lodge and soak in 14,000 foot Mt. Blanca towering through the tree tops, or hike up to Zapata Falls, five minutes away. Still others come to see the 2000 wild bison that blacken the Medano meadows when they come together as one herd. This landscape is sometimes called the Rocky Mountain Serengeti because of the amazing diversity and abundance of wildlife. Photography or wildlife viewing safaris are part of the daily events, or they can be customized to meet your special interest.

For those of us who make our home on the Zapata, ranching is about using time honored methods alongside progressive approaches that help us do a better job and have fun while we are doing it. It is also about western hospitality. We have devoted our lives to this lifestyle and we take pride in introducing our guests to our way of life and about the pleasures of riding horses. We also enjoy learning about our guests interests and getting to know them. We hope you will come for a visit soon. We will take you out into the back country of this wild land and show you a way of life from the past. You will experience nature as you have never dreamed.

Ranch Experience
We have created a special program for those who want to experience real life ranching by working as one of the ranch crew. With about 300 cattle our ranch is a true working ranch. Each day is different: most days hold horseback work, but there is always fencing, irrigation, working in the shop, putting out mineral or salt for the cattle, among many other activities. Nothing is staged; everything is something that we would be doing if guests were not involved. It is a unique chance to see what a working cattle ranch is like from the inside, and not from the sidelines. Also, if guests feel like some much needed time off, we have other activities to ease your aching muscles.
You chose your schedule - ride as much or as little as you like - anywhere from two to ten hours in the saddle.

For guests that are not interested in the ranch experience or horsemanship , we offer an experience that takes them into nature. These experiences revolve around both horseback and hiking and riding in trucks and we take people to see beautiful places, to see bison and elk and other wildlife.
Learning about conservation is a big part of what people learn when they come to this program: how important the land is to us, how we use cattle as tools to meet our conservation goals, monitoring programs, the ecosystem process that we try to influence with our management methods.
The Nature Conservancy is sometimes available, especially with large groups to talk about their work with nature as well.

National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is also a very important part of guest activities.

We offer rides into the park each week.There are always multiple opportunities for guests to ride into the park or hike on their own.Again, it depends on the interest in the group.

Usually, one ride is customary, because there is so much riding and work to do around the ranch.Usually, people like to go to the Visitors’ Center and walk in the sand and take photos, which is very accessible because it is 7 minutes from the lodge.

We no longer offer overnight camping. Dinner is normally in the main lodge, though clients are welcome to eat outside. We do not cook out typically. We can certainly provide a fire on the deck. A trip to the pool or hot springs would typically be scheduled for the afternoon, and any evening activities would be self-guided as we do not have staff working at night. We do not offer movies outside. Volleyball and horseshoes are available should guests decide to play.

All paces, riding from 4 to 10 hours a day, depending on the riders. 6 riding days

Level:

(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels

Age:

Min
8

Weight:

Max
250 lbs

Riders:

Min
1 riders

Max
15 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
15

Lodge capacity is 30, but only 18 riders at the time. Riding groups are kept small - 3 to 4 riders per wrangler.

Ranch experience -- these are things included in a stay, we incorporate any work necessary into the itinerary, but we offer rides into the national park etc. in the schedule as well. Guest rides are from about 8.30 - 2pm, though can be shorter if guests would like.Horsemanship

Horses are the core to a good ranch program. Therefore, we work with our horses every day and we encourage guests to be involved by learning about how to improve or maintain their horse.

The crew will work with the guests so they will be continually learning and working to improve their skills with a horse.

Guests are welcome to watch the ranch crew train a young horse or participate in one-on-one horsemanship instruction. These options are typically half day options in the afternoon.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more

Climate for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

What to Bring for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

Well fitting jeans

Boots with a riding heel

A wide brimmed hat

Hiking Boots

Jacket for layering

Long sleeve shirts for riding

Swim suit to enjoy the hot tub

Body/hand lotion

Bug repellant

Water Bottle

Sun Screen

Lip Balm

Camera

Binoculars

Sunglasses

Backpack for hiking

*Some guests have recommended a pair of spandex bicycle shorts to wear under your jeans while riding!

Facts To Help You Plan:

Typically cool in the mornings and evenings, but gets warm during the day - layers are good!

Air can feel dry and thin, so drink plenty of water and bring your favorite lotion

The ranch is a BYOB. Wine glasses and corkscrews will be set out at dinner. The ranch can purchase alcohol for you ahead of time and it will be added to your invoice

Laundry facilities available to everyone to use at no extra cost

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Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

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Google Map for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

Average Tour Ratings for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.

Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.

Accommodations for
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

The ranch complex is a collection of 1800s chinked log buildings reminiscent of the days of stagecoaches, cowboys and land grants. Recently renovated, the main building contains large indoor and outdoor dining areas, a 'non licensed' bar, and comfortable guest rooms.

Headquarters Inn...
This is the original homestead built in the 1800's. The log home has been beautifully remodeled to incorporate a roomy and attractive indoor dining area with a fire place and large windows along with a cozy sitting area. The large deck just outside the dining area is shaded by mature cottonwood trees and complimented by a flower garden that allows for lovely views of the property. The five rooms are beautifully furnished, and have a southwestern decor that gives them the feel of home and rustic elegance. All rooms have private tiled bathrooms and views that are private, peaceful and beautiful in any season.

The Bunkhouse...
Just outside the Inn is the log cabin bunkhouse with five private rooms, each with a full bath and exterior entrance. One room is a suite with a separate living room and wood stove. Rooms are in top order and beautifully decorated along with large comfortable beds. Windows open wide to let in the fresh mountain air and the views of the natural gardens surrounding the Inn set you in a world all your own.

The Stewart House...
A fully furnished home separated from the Inn by a lighted footpath. Each of the five private rooms offers full baths. The home features common areas such as a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, pool table and a large dining area that can accommodate larger groups. The view from the living room windows and private patio provide a front row seat to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Crestone Peak, one of the most spectacular 14,000 foot peaks in the entire Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

Meal times

Each evening around 6pm at dinner the crew (sometimes one, sometimes everyone) will eat with the guests. This is a time to talk of the day’s activities, of the guests’ interests and to discuss what tomorrow will bring.It is an important thing for the development of our business as well as something that guests enjoy.

Noon meals are usually enjoyed in a pasture while taking a break from the day’s work. If we are close to home then guests and crew may eat together on a picnic bench or separate, depending on the day’s schedule.

Breakfast is served in the dining room at 8am while the crew is out preparing for the day.

Dining:

We serve our own bison along with local produce

Meals are served family style

Our cook promotes the return to home style cooking with the use of seasonal spices and fare and strives to connect dishes to local farming producers

Sack Lunches of your choice are provided to take with you on activities

We serve a glass of wine with appetizers and further alcohol is self-supplied

Facilities:

15 rooms, 23 beds between three buildings connected by a lighted walking path.

Each private room is equipped with either two double beds or a single king, and its own private bath. We have one room with 3 queens.

The lodge is built on the original Zapata homestead dating back to the late 1800’s.

All facilities were recently renovated and are surrounded by extensive grounds.

Enjoy appetizers on our large back patio surrounded by century-old Cottonwoods.

Daily housekeeping and laundry facilities included.

Where:

7,950 feet above sea level

4 hours from Denver and Albuquerque

3 hours from Colorado Springs and Santa Fe

30 minutes northeast of Alamosa; bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Daily flights from Denver and Albuquerque via Boutique Air

$50/each way shuttle to and from Alamosa airport

When:

Season is March 1 – October 31st

Check-in is typically Sunday or Thursday, from 2pm – 5pm

The office closes at 5pm, please notify us to arrange a late check-in

Check-out is at 10am

No activities are held on the day of arrival or Sundays, however we are happy to arrange a fishing or rafting trip.

Liquor

The ranch is a BYOB establishment, thus guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol because none is provided at the ranch. We can stop after picking guests up from the airport or if requested, alcohol can be picked up on one of our two weekly town runs.

Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

All paces, riding from 4 to 10 hours a day, depending on the riders. 6 riding days

Level:

(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels

Age:

Min
8

Weight:

Max
250 lbs

Riders:

Min
1 riders

Max
15 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
15

Lodge capacity is 30, but only 18 riders at the time. Riding groups are kept small - 3 to 4 riders per wrangler.

Ranch experience -- these are things included in a stay, we incorporate any work necessary into the itinerary, but we offer rides into the national park etc. in the schedule as well. Guest rides are from about 8.30 - 2pm, though can be shorter if guests would like.Horsemanship

Horses are the core to a good ranch program. Therefore, we work with our horses every day and we encourage guests to be involved by learning about how to improve or maintain their horse.

The crew will work with the guests so they will be continually learning and working to improve their skills with a horse.

Guests are welcome to watch the ranch crew train a young horse or participate in one-on-one horsemanship instruction. These options are typically half day options in the afternoon.

Visa Requirement For
Bison and Cattle Working Ranch in Colorado

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel. ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

VisasNot required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

Yes

USA

N/A

Other EU

Yes

Visa Required?

British

No/2

Australian

No

Canadian

No

USA

N/A

Other EU

1

Return Ticket Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

No

USA

N/A

Other EU

Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.